Ergonomic spur

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an ergonomic spur which is designed for engagement with a riding boot. The spur can be removably attached to the riding boot with out damaging the boot. The arch brace of the spur of the present invention provides two planes of contact between the spur and the riding boot. The spur is formed in a manner which allows for sufficient rigidity without covering a large potion of the boot&#39;s surface area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTTON

[0001] This invention is generally directed to an ergonomic spur. More particularly the invention relates to an ergonomic spur designed to be secured to an English style riding boot.

[0002] Generally speaking, a spur is a protrusion which extends from the heel portion of a boot. When used for riding a horse the spur is used to direct or control the horse's movements or direction. Spurs have also been used in an ornamental manner. Ornamentally, spurs have been worn as portions of dance costumes and have been worn by soliders to indicate their rank.

[0003] Spurs which have a decorative purpose are generally removably attached to the boot and are designed to provide little or no rigidity. These type of spurs are designed to bend or give way when they come into contact with another object because they are sometimes used when dancing amongst groups of people. In the interest of safety, it is important that the spur give way when it makes contact with another object to prevent injuries. An example of this type of spur can be found in U.S. Pat. Reg. No. 2,487,461 (McKinney).

[0004] When used for riding, spurs are either permanently secured to the rider's boot or are removably attached to the rider's boot. Unlike decorative spurs, spurs used for riding have rigid protrusions which do not give way when they contact another object. Spurs are worn by a rider who sits on a horse's back with his legs straddled on either side of the horse and the spurs extend from the rear of the rider's boots. Direction is given to the horse when the rider places the spur(s) into the side of the horse and applies pressure. Examples of riding spurs can be found in U.S. Pat. Reg. No. 3,953,958 (Beaston) and U.S. Patent Reg. No. Des. 118,278 (Dean).

[0005] When spurs are used for riding, it is desirable that the spur fit as tightly against the boot as possible to prevent movement of the spur or wobbling. The tighter the fit the more precisely the rider's movements can be transferred to the horse by way of the spur. In addition to achieving a secure fit, it is also desirable to provide a spur which can easily be attached and removed from the boot without damaging the boot.

[0006] The Beaston '958 patent discloses a spur which can easily be removed from a riding boot by releasing a strap 50 which is fastened across the instep of the boot. The spur of the Beaston '958 patent also provides a rim 16 which is designed to fit into the grove between the inturned lower edge of the upper portion 42 of the boot and the outer sole 44. The purpose of the rim 16 is to assist in holding the spur firmly on the boot. One disadvantage presented by the spur in the Beaston '958 patent is that it can only be used with a boot which has a groove between the sole and the boot upper.

[0007] The spur disclosed in Dean '278 can also be readily removed by releasing a strap which is fastened to the spur across the instep of the boot. The Dean spur employs an arch brace which is placed under the sole of the boot and extends across the width of the boot. The Dean spur also includes two supports which rest on either side of the boot and meet at the heel portion of the boot. FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 of the Dean patent reveal that the Dean spur is relatively thin, i.e. the spur lays flat against the boot and does not protrude far from the boot's surface. The thin material is likely to bend or flex when the spur is in use unless it is stabilized. To lessen the amount of flexing of the spur the width of the spur's uprights are increased. The wider uprights provide a larger surface of contact between the spur and the boot, thus creating greater stability.

[0008]FIG. 1 of the Dean patent shows that the Dean spur is relatively wide and therefore covers a significant portion of the boot's surface area. The result is that the spur is relatively large and bulky in appearance.

[0009] For many riders appearance is an important factor when selecting riding equipment. Two common styles of riding equipment are English-style and Western-style. Several difference exist between English-style riding equipment and Western-style riding equipment. Western-style riding equipment is generally bulkier than English-style riding equipment. The equipment which is selected for English-style riding is selected with the intent of creating a sleek and elegant appearance. Because of the desire to create an elegant appearance, the bulky Dean spur is not acceptable for English-style riding. The width of the Dean spur does not blend with the overall appearance of English-style riding equipment. Although appearance is important, it is also important that a spur used for English-style riding is functional. What is needed therefore, is a spur which is suitable for English-style riding but yet stable.

[0010] Another difference between English-style riding equipment and Western-style riding equipment is the type of boot which is worn. English-style riding boots typically have a relatively low heel and therefore a relatively flat sole. Western-style riding boots typically have a relatively high heel and therefore a sloped sole. The arch brace of the Dean spur rests directly in front of the heel of the boot and the top surface of the arch brace is designed to rest against the sole of the boot. The arch brace works in conjunction with the upright supports to stabilize the spur against the boot.

[0011] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the Dean '278 patent, the edge of the arch brace which is closest to the heel of the boot is higher than the edge of the arch brace closest to the toe of the boot. The result is that the top surface of the arch brace slopes downward from the heel of the boot toward the toe of the boot. When worn with a Western-style boot the arch brace will rest against the sole of the boot. However, if the Dean spur were to be worn with an English-style riding boot the arch brace would only contact the sole of the boot at the rearward edge of the arch brace. The downwardly sloped arch brace would prevent the remainder of the top surface of the arch brace from contacting the sole of the boot. Because minimal contact is made between the sole of the boot and the arch brace, stability is lost. When the spur is used by the rider, this lack of stability causes the spur to wobble. Direction given to the horse with an unstable spur will be less precise.

[0012] As described above, the Dean spur, including the arch brace is relatively thin. As a result, when mounted on a Western-style riding boot, there is essentially only one plane of contact between the arch brace and the sole of the boot. That plane of contact is between the top surface of the arch brace and the bottom surface of the sole of the boot. It would appear as if no contact is made between the heel of the boot upon which the Dean spur is fitted and the arch brace. If however, any contact is made between the heel of the boot and the arch brace, contact is provided by only a thin edge of the arch brace. Therefore, there is essentially only one plane of contact between the arch brace and the boot and, as a result, the spur is likely to be relatively unstable.

[0013] There is therefore a need for a spur which will provide greater stability. There is also a need for a spur which will provide greater stability when worn with a boot with a relatively flat sole such as an English style riding boot. It is also desired to provide a spur which can be worn on a boot even it the boot does not provide a groove between the boot's upper and the outer sole of the boot. There is also a need for a spur which will blend with the appearance desired for English-style riding, while at the same time providing stability.

[0014] The present invention provides an ergonomic spur which overcomes the problems presented in the prior art and which provides additional advantages over the prior art, such advantages will become clear upon a reading of the attached specification in combination with a study of the drawings.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A general object of the present invention is to provide an improved spur which is to be used for riding.

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a spur which is removably attached to a riding boot.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a spur which can be worn on a boot with or without a groove between the boot's upper and the sole of the boot.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a spur with an arch brace which provides two planes of contact with the riding boot.

[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a spur which is not bulky and is suitable for English-style riding.

[0020] Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention discloses an ergonomic spur which is designed for use with a riding boot. The spur can be removably attached to the riding boot without damaging the riding boot. The spur can be used with a riding boot which does not have a groove between the boot's upper and the sole of the boot. The arch brace of the spur of the present invention provides two planes of contact between the spur and the riding boot. The spur of the present invention works ergonomically to precisely translate the rider's directions to the horse. In addition to providing a spur with increased stability, the spur of the present invention is dimensioned to have an appearance which is suitable for English-style riding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the spur of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the spur of the present invention shown as it would be worn in connection with an English style riding boot.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the spur shown in FIG. 2 at line 3-3.

[0025]FIG. 4 is cross sectional view of the spur shown in FIG. 3 at line 4-4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TRE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

[0026] While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.

[0027] The invention is an ergonomic spur to be used when riding a horse. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the spur 20 and FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which the spur 20 may be worn. The spur 20 is rigid and is preferably constructed from stainless steel as a single integrally formed piece.

[0028] The spur 20 includes an arch brace or under strap 22, molded directly into the design. When the spur 20 is worn over a boot 24 as shown in FIG. 2, the arch brace 22 is placed against the sole 26 of the boot 24. The arch brace 22 extends horizontally across the width of the boot. Two supports 23, 25 extend from the arch brace 22. Each support 23, 25 includes a lower leg, a knee and an upper leg. A left lower leg 28 extends generally vertically from one end of the arch brace 22 and a right lower leg 30 extends generally vertically from the opposite end of the arch brace 22. A left upper leg 32 extends rearwardly around the heel portion 34 of the boot upper 36 and is joined to the lower left leg 28 by way of a left knee 38. A right upper leg 40 extends rearwardly around the heel portion 34 of the boot upper 36 and is joined to the right lower leg 30 by way of a right knee 42. The left upper leg 32 and the right upper leg 40 are curved so as to join near the heel portion 34 of the boot upper 36.

[0029] A protrusion 44 extends outwardly and downwardly from the joined upper legs 32, 40. Although the protrusion shown in FIGS. 1-3 is rounded, this protrusion can be shaped as desired. For example, a rowel such as that disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 187,284 could be attached to the upper legs 32, 40.

[0030] The spur 20 is relatively thick. This thickness can best be seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 which show that the spur 20 significantly protrudes from the surface of the boot 24. Because the spur 20 is relatively thick, wide uprights are not necessary to provide stability. The thick stainless steel does not bend or flex when the spur 20 is in use. Thus, stability is achieved while very little surface area of the boot 24 is covered by the spur 20. Because the spur of the present invention uses thickness rather than width to prevent flexing and create stability, the spur 20 looks sleek and elegant rather than bulky. For example in the preferred embodiment, the ratio of the thickness to width of the lower legs 28, 30 of the spur is approximately 1:2. The relatively small thickness to width ratio results in a spur with elegant lines.

[0031] The spur 20 also provides a thicker arch brace 22, with a top surface 52 and a rear surface 54. A first surface or plane of contact is provided between the top surface 52 of the arch brace 22 and the sole 26 of the boot 24. A second surface or plane of contact is provided between the rear surface 54 of the arch brace 22 and the heel 56 of the boot 24. The first plane of contact provided by the top surface 52 prevents the spur from rotating or rocking about a horizontal axis. The second plane of contact provided by the rear surface 56 prevents the spur from rotating about a vertical axis.

[0032] The outer surface 58 of the spur is rounded. The rounded surface in conjunction with the narrow supports 23, 25 provide elegant lines which are suitable for English-style riding equipment. The inner surface 60 of the spur is flat so as to provide a surface for contacting the boot 24.

[0033] A generally rectangular shaped left slot 46 is located within the left knee 38. A generally rectangular shaped right slot 48 is located within the right knee 42. Preferably an adjustable cloth spur strap 50 is fastened to the spur 20 through the left and right slots 46, 48. The strap 50 is placed over the instep of the boot 24. The slots 46, 48 are properly angled so that the spur strap 50 comfortably lays across the instep of the boot 24. With regard to stability, it is important to note that when the strap 50 is properly adjusted, the top surface 52 of the arch brace 22 will be in substantially full surface contact with the sole 26 of the boot 24 and a rear surface 54 of the arch brace 22 will be in substantially full surface contact with a front wall portion heel 56 of the boot 24 as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, when the rider uses the spur, the spur precisely translates his movements to the horse, thus providing an ergonomic spur.

[0034] While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A spur, made from a rigid material, for engagement with a boot, said spur comprising; an arch brace portion, two lower leg portions extending upward from opposite ends of said arch brace portion, a knee portion located at an end of each of said lower leg portion remote from said arch brace portion, wherein each said knee portion is adapted to engage with a fastening strap, two upper leg portions extending from each said knee portion and joined together at ends remote from said knee portions, and a protrusion extending outwardly from the rear of the joined upper leg portions, wherein the ratio of the width to thickness of the upper leg portions and lower leg portions is no greater than 3:1.
 2. A spur as defined in claim 1 wherein a first plane of contact is provided between the arch brace portion and a sole of a boot upon which the spur is fitted; and a second plane of contact is provided between the arch brace portion and a heel of a boot upon which the spur is fitted.
 3. A spur as defined in claim 1 wherein said spur is constructed from stainless steel.
 4. A spur, made from a rigid material, for engagement with a boot, said spur comprising; an arch brace portion, two lower leg portions extending upward from opposite ends of said arch brace portion, a knee portion located at an end of each of said lower leg portion remote from said arch brace portion, wherein each said knee portion is adapted to engage with a fastening strap, two upper leg portions extending from each said knee portion and joined together at ends remote from said knee portions, and a protrusion extending outwardly from the rear of the joined upper leg portions, wherein a first plane of contact is provided between the arch brace portion and a sole of a boot upon which the spur is fitted; and a second plane of contact is provided between the arch brace portion and a heel of a boot upon which the spur is fitted.
 5. A spur as defined in claim 4 wherein the ratio of the width to thickness of the upper leg portions and lower leg portions is no greater than 3:1.
 6. A spur as defined in claim 4 wherein said spur is constructed from stainless steel.
 7. A spur, made from a rigid material, for engagement with a boot, said spur comprising; an arch brace portion, two lower leg portions extending upward from opposite ends of said arch brace portion, a knee portion located at an end of each of said lower leg portion remote from said arch brace portion, wherein each said knee portion is adapted to engage with a fastening strap, two upper leg portions extending from each said knee portion and joined together at ends remote from said knee portions, a protrusion extending outwardly from the rear of the joined upper leg portions, wherein the ratio of the width to thickness of the upper leg portions and lower leg portions of said spur is no greater than 3:1, and wherein a first plane of contact is provided between the arch brace portion and a sole of a boot upon which the spur is fitted; and a second plane of contact is provided between the arch brace portion and a heel of a boot upon which the spur is fitted. 